PREFACE
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The sub-continent of India, favoured by special mention in
the Qayyumu’l-Asma, on the Day of the Declaration of the Bab,
is a land of the greatest spiritual potentialities. During the life
time of Abdu’l-Baha a steady stream of teachers from East and
West arrived to establish the Faith, and at the time of His
passing, there was a sizeable community of Baha’is in India.
This was the community that grew into spiritual maturity, expanded
and developed under the unerring guidance of our
beloved Guardian who fostered its growth, ever beckoning it
forward.
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The Guardian summoned the believers to achieve great victories,
local movements and limited projects would not be commensurate
with the greatness of the Revelation of Baha’u’llah; he
led them to self-sacrifice, to big undertakings, and to bold ventures.
Gradually, he brought to light the vastness of the realm of
service, pointing out the many races and tribes that inhabited
this land of ancient civilization and cradle of important world
religions. He gave instructions and plans to this Community to
take the healing Message of God to all these peoples and tribes.
Step by step, Shoghi Effendi guided the Community on how to
plan and organize a comprehensive teaching plan.
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As far back as 1933, the beloved Guardian summoned the
Baha’is of India to teach among the masses, and to reach persons
of capacity in every strata of society. He guided us in every
accomplishment, pointing out the objectives, counselling and
urging the completion of goals set for the Community.
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The reader will find for himself what great victories still
remain to be won and what great potentialities still remain
hidden in India—“a vast country and an excellent field of service”.
This book is for those, anywhere in the world, who wish
to arise individually and collectively to establish the World
Order of Baha’u’llah and the Kingdom of God on earth.
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New Delhi,
March 9, 1970
vi
vii
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